U.S. patent application number 13/462090 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for retail packaging for transaction cards.
This patent application is currently assigned to Green Dot Corporation. Invention is credited to Eduardo A. Becerril, Michael L. Casella, R. Matthew Kohler, Steven W. Streit, Mark Timothy Troughton.
Application Number | 20120292206 13/462090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46061167 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120292206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Casella; Michael L. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2012 |
RETAIL PACKAGING FOR TRANSACTION CARDS
Abstract
Retail packaging for a transaction card includes a carrier for
retaining the transaction card, a transparent encasement enclosing
the carrier, literature containing information associated with the
transaction card placed within the encasement, and means for
hanging the packaging within a retail environment. The encasement
may take on a variety of forms, including having a curved outer
surface forming a cavity within the encasement. The carrier may
also take on a variety of forms, including forms having a main
surface and a device for elevating the transaction card off the
main surface to create a visual effect that the transaction card is
floating within the encasement. The packaging may further include a
panel that at least partially obscures the transaction card from
view.
Inventors: |
Casella; Michael L.;
(Glendale, CA) ; Becerril; Eduardo A.; (Lynwood,
CA) ; Kohler; R. Matthew; (San Francisco, CA)
; Streit; Steven W.; (Pasadena, CA) ; Troughton;
Mark Timothy; (Monrovia, CA) |
Assignee: |
Green Dot Corporation
|
Family ID: |
46061167 |
Appl. No.: |
13/462090 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12696742 |
Jan 29, 2010 |
8181789 |
|
|
13462090 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/232 ;
206/461 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 73/0057 20130101;
B65D 73/0085 20130101; A45C 11/182 20130101; B65D 73/0014 20130101;
B65D 77/0413 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/232 ;
206/461 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/28 20060101
B65D075/28; B65D 75/54 20060101 B65D075/54 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. Packaging for a transaction card comprising: a protective
encasement comprising a front shell and a mating back shell,
wherein the back shell comprises a cutout forming an opening when
the front shell is mated with the back shell in a closed condition;
a carrier for retaining the transaction card within the encasement,
the carrier comprising: a main panel having a flap foldable over
the main panel, the main panel and the flap being enclosed within
the protective encasement; a rear panel; and a hinge panel
attaching the rear panel to the main panel, the hinge panel
extending through the opening such that the rear panel is located
outside of the encasement; wherein the transaction card may be
affixed to the main panel and wherein the flap is smaller than the
main panel such that when the flap is in a folded position the flap
obscures a portion of the transaction card.
8. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the main panel, the rear panel,
the hinge panel, and the flap are formed from a single sheet of
card stock material.
9. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the flap is foldable over the
main panel along a perforated fold line.
10. The packaging of claim 7 further comprising an booklet
containing terms and conditions associated with the use of the
transaction card placed within the protective encasement, wherein
the main panel separates the instruction booklet from the
transaction card.
11. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the front shell comprises a
curved outer surface.
12. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the back shell comprises an
inner surface and wherein a cavity is formed within the inner
surface.
13. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the front and back shells are
securely mated to one another along their coinciding peripheries
except in an area adjacent the opening.
14. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the width of the opening is
less than the width of the rear panel.
15. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the flap in a folded position
obscures card identification information from view.
16. The packaging of claim 7 wherein the rear panel may be opened
along the hinge panel to reveal additional consumer
information.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to improvements in retail
packaging and display technology related to the sale of transaction
cards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Open loop association-branded transaction cards (e.g., cards
issued or sponsored by MasterCard, VISA, American Express,
Discover, and others), stored value cards, gift cards, bankcards,
co-branded and affinity cards, debit cards, and the like, may be
sold in a retail setting. As is known, many of these cards contain
a variety of information to identify the card, account related
text, data, indicia and features on the surface of the cards such
as card issuer identification, brand information, account
activation indicia, and card number information. This information
may also be encoded within a magnetic strip attached to a surface
of the card. Transaction cards of the type described herein may be
sold in a retail setting and commonly are packaged in or on some
form of a carrier or other protective packaging. Many of these
transaction cards are offered in an inactive state and, therefore,
must be activated prior to usage. Typically, activation is
performed at the time of sale and requires access to the card's
magnetic strip or variable data barcode, commonly specified by the
particular retailer.
[0003] Studies conducted by the assignee of the present invention
have demonstrated that consumer interest and purchase intent
increases significantly through showing the transaction card and/or
portions of the indicia or brand information on the card on
display. However, in an effort to discourage or prevent theft
and/or fraud, it is common for transaction cards to be displayed
for sale in packages in which the cards are fully enclosed to
completely obscure viewing of the card.
[0004] A need exists, therefore, for an improved retail packaging
assembly for transaction cards which permits the viewing of the
front of the transaction card while maintaining sufficient
security. A preferred solution would balance brand recognition and
desired security associated while ensuring the packaging contains
sufficient technology to be used in a retail environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, packaging
for transaction card includes a carrier for retaining the
transaction card, a transparent encasement enclosing the carrier,
literature containing information associated with the transaction
card placed within the encasement, and means for hanging the
packaging within a retail environment. The encasement may take on a
variety of forms, including having a curved outer surface forming a
cavity within the encasement. The carrier may also take on a
variety of forms, including forms having a main surface and a
device for elevating the transaction card off the main surface to
create a visual effect that the transaction card is floating within
the encasement. The packaging may further include a panel that at
least partially obscures the transaction card from view.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention,
packaging for a transaction card includes a protective encasement
having a front shell and a mating back shell, wherein the back
shell includes a cutout forming an opening when the front shell is
mated with the back shell in a closed condition. A carrier for
retaining the transaction card is placed within the encasement.
Preferably, carrier has a main panel having a flap foldable over
the main panel, with the main panel and the flap being enclosed
within the protective encasement. The carrier also includes a rear
panel and a hinge panel attaching the rear panel to the main panel.
The hinge panel preferably extends through the opening such that
the rear panel is located outside of the encasement. The
transaction card may be affixed to the main panel with the flap
being smaller than the main panel such that when the flap is in a
folded position the flap obscures a portion of the transaction
card.
[0007] In another embodiment, the packaging for a transaction card
includes a rear panel, an inner sheet having an opening attached to
the rear panel, a shell housing the transaction card and partially
residing within the opening (with the shell adhered to the rear
panel and the inner sheet) and a flap panel foldably attached to
the rear panel such that when the flap panel is in a folded
position the flap panel obscures a portion of the transaction
card.
[0008] In another embodiment, the packaging for a transaction card
includes a rear panel and a front panel having an opening, wherein
the front panel is at least partially adhered to the rear panel
such that the transaction card is held between the front and rear
panels and wherein at least a portion of the transaction card is
visible through the opening in the front panel.
[0009] In another embodiment, the packaging for a transaction card
includes a multi-panel carrier comprising a rear panel, a front
panel, and a central panel, wherein both the central panel and the
front panel are foldably attached to the rear panel. The packaging
further includes a protective encasement housing the carrier and a
pouch for retaining the transaction card attached to the central
panel. Preferably, the pouch is sized smaller than the transaction
card to permit a portion of the transaction card to be viewed. In
this embodiment, the front panel has an opening and the central
panel folds onto the rear panel and the front panel folds onto the
central panel so that the pouch partially extends through the
opening in the front panel.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the packaging for a transaction
card includes a front panel having an opening, a rear panel adhered
to the front panel, and a transparent shell for housing the
transaction card. Preferably, the shell has a cavity formed to fit
within the opening of the front panel such that the transaction
card may be placed within the cavity. The packaging may also
include a screen sized to fit within the cavity of the shell in
front of the transaction card to partially obscure the transaction
card from view.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings,
wherein the drawings illustrate features in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is front perspective view of the packaging for a
transaction card in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the packaging for a
transaction card in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging of
FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 9 is another front perspective view of the packaging of
FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the packaging for a
transaction card in accordance with a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
10;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging of
FIG. 10;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the packaging for a
transaction card in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
13;
[0026] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging of
FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the packaging for a
transaction card in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
16;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging of
FIG. 16;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 16;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 16 in a partially opened condition;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 16 in a opened condition;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the carrier of the
packaging of FIG. 16.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the packaging for a
transaction card in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
23; and
[0036] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging of
FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of the retail packaging
100 for securely housing a transaction card 110. In this
embodiment, packaging 100 includes a two-piece clamshell-type
protective encasement 112, including a front shell 114 and a mating
back shell 116. The protective encasement 112 is adapted to
encapsulate or hold a transaction card 110, various forms of
literature or instructional material, and carrier 118. The
encasement 112 is preferably formed from clear, see-through or
frosted plastic, although other forms are within the scope of the
present invention. The encasement 112 is preferably sealed along
its peripheral margin, for example, using a heat bond, an adhesive
seal, a RF laser-based seal, UV heat glue, or other means customary
in the packaging industry. The sealed encasement 112 provides
protection against tampering and pilferage of the enclosed
transaction card 110. The encasement 112 may be sized as desired
for retail display and security purposes.
[0038] The front shell 114 of the encasement 112 may be curved (for
example, along the horizontal dimension) to create a visual
perception of package depth. For example, the encasement 112 when
in a fully closed position may be about 5-7 mm in depth at the left
and right peripheral edges and about 10-12 mm at the center.
Preferably, the front shell 114 mates with the back shell 116. For
example, the front shell 114 may include an inner edge 120 that
snugly engages over a similarly shaped outer edge 122 on the back
shell 116. An aperture 124 may be defined in the front shell 114
and/or the back shell 116 for suspending the encasement 112 from a
display peg or J-hook.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the top portion of the back shell
116 may include a cutout region 126 forming an opening when the
front shell 114 is mated with the back shell 116 in a closed
condition. The opening permits a portion of the carrier 118 to
reside outside of the protective encasement 112 as described below.
The retail packaging 100 may also include a booklet 128 containing,
for example, terms and conditions for use with the transaction card
110. The booklet 128 may be placed in a cavity formed in the inside
surface of the back shell 116, which is then concealed from view by
the carrier 118. The design of the packaging 100 that permits a
small booklet 128 containing all the terms and conditions
associated with the transaction card 110 required under disclosures
laws and regulations is particularly useful in that it avoids the
expense of later mailing out such information to the user. The
booklet 128 may contain full or temporary terms and conditions
and/or other consumer-related material (how the transaction card
works, how to activate it, how to use it, how to reload it,
etc.).
[0040] As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the carrier 118
preferably includes four portions. Main panel 130 supports the
transaction card 110. For example, the transaction card 110 may be
releasably secured to the center portion of the main panel 130 (or
offset therefrom) in any suitable manner known in the art, such as
by use of a releasable glue or tape product. Preferably, a
suspension device 144 is affixed between the transaction card 110
and the main panel 130. The suspension device 144 may be a piece of
corrugated paper or foam or similar device that elevates the card
110 off of the main panel 130 to create a visual effect that the
transaction card 110 is floating within the packaging 100. Thus,
the transaction card 110 may be releasably secured to the
suspension device 144 and the device 144 may be affixed to the main
panel 130.
[0041] Flap 132 folds over along the perforated or scored fold line
134 to cover or obscure portions of the transaction card 110. For
example, the flap 132 may be sized, shaped, and/or configured to
conceal the card number and expiration date, while allowing
visibility to the identification of the card issuer and other
indicia on the card 110. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flap 132 may
be configured to conceal the center portion of the card 110, while
leaving the left and right sides of the card exposed to viewing. In
certain embodiments, the transaction card 110 may include a
customer response vehicle label (i.e., a removable sticker) that
further conceals certain information contained on the card 110 from
view.
[0042] Although the carrier 118 may be limited to main panel 130
and flap 132, in certain embodiments, a back panel 136 may be
hinged to the main panel 130 by means of hinge panel 138, which
extends through the opening in the back shell 116 such that the
back panel 136 resides outside of the encasement 112. A potential
purchaser of the transaction card 110 may open the back panel 136
using thumb notch 140 to reveal textual information and/or retailer
technology on the inside of the back panel 136 or the opposing side
of the main panel 130 (which is viewable through the clear back
shell 116) to facilitate the retail sale of the transaction card
110. The back panel 136 may be opened in the retail setting prior
to purchase of the transaction card 110 to reveal additional
information to the potential purchaser without destroying the
integrity of the packaging 100. In particular, the information
and/or technology revealed by opening up the back panel 136 may
include account activation indicia, such as a mag-stripe or
variable bar code 146 (and possibly a universal price code), so
that the transaction card 110 may be activated at the cash register
when the retail package is purchased. In addition, the textual
information may include purchasing information, card activation
information, advertising information, and other information for the
potential purchaser. In embodiments without the hinge panel 138 and
the back panel 136, the information and/or technology described
above may be contained on the back of the main panel 130 and
viewable through the back shell 116. Preferably, the main panel 130
and the back panel 136 are shaped to mate with the size and shape
of the front shell 114 and back shell 116 of the encasement 112,
with the exception of the peripheral margin. The outside surface of
the back shell 116 may also include a recess to retain the back
panel 136. The recess may be approximately the thickness of the
back panel 136, for example, between about 6-12 mm.
[0043] The carrier 118 may be constructed from any suitable
materials known in the art such as cardboard, laminated card or
sheet stock, or the like. The material for some or all of the
panels of the carrier 118 may be in the form of clear foil
laminated or adhered to the panels improve the appearance of the
packaging 100. Portions of the carrier 118 may contain printed
matter, such as brand identification, regulatory information,
discretionary advertising, and the like.
[0044] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a second embodiment of the retail
packaging 200 for retaining a transaction card 210. The packaging
200 may be adapted to encapsulate, hold, or embody the transaction
card 210, along with various forms of literature or instructional
material. Although FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the transaction card 210 in
a horizontal orientation, it can be appreciated that the card 210
may be placed in other orientations using the packaging 200.
[0045] The packaging 200 preferably includes a rear panel 202
having an attached flap panel 204. An inner sheet 212 having an
opening 216 may be attached to the inside surface of the rear panel
202. A plastic shell 214 resides within the opening 216 and is
attached along it periphery to both the rear panel 202 and the
inner sheet 212 to house the transaction card 210 and, optionally,
a booklet 216 containing, for example, terms and conditions for use
with the transaction card 210. The plastic shell 214 is preferably
formed from clear, see-through or frosted plastic, although other
forms are within the scope of the present invention. The booklet
216 may be placed in a cavity formed in the inside surface of the
plastic shell 214 back shell 116, which is then concealed from view
by the transaction card 210. The design of the packaging 200 that
permits a small booklet 216 containing all the terms and conditions
associated with the transaction card 210 required under disclosures
laws and regulations is particularly useful in that it avoids the
expense of later mailing out such information to the user. The
booklet 216 may contain full or temporary terms and conditions
and/or other consumer-related material (how the transaction card
works, how to activate it, how to use it, how to reload it,
etc.).
[0046] A second booklet 208 may be affixed to the outer surface of
the inner sheet 212. This second booklet 208 may contain purchasing
information, card activation information, advertising information,
and other information for the potential purchaser. An aperture 206
may be defined in each of the rear panel 202, the flap panel 204,
the inner sheet 212, and the booklet 208 for suspending the
packaging 200 from a display peg or J-hook.
[0047] The flap panel 204 folds over along the perforated or scored
fold line 218 to cover or obscure portions of the transaction card
210. For example, the flap 218 may be sized, shaped, and/or
configured to conceal the card number and expiration date, while
allowing visibility to the identification of the card issuer and
other indicia on the card 210. In certain embodiments, the
transaction card 210 may include a customer response vehicle label
(i.e., a removable sticker) that further conceals information
contained on the card 210 from view.
[0048] The front and rear sides of the flap panel 204, as well as
the rear side of the rear panel 202, may contain marketing or
purchasing information. The rear side of the rear panel 202 may
include account activation indicia, such as a mag-stripe or
variable bar code 208 (and possibly a universal price code), so
that the transaction card 210 may be activated at the cash register
when the retail package is purchased.
[0049] The rear panel 202, flap panel 204, and inner sheet 212 may
be constructed from any suitable materials known in the art such as
cardboard, laminated card or sheet stock, or the like. The material
for some or all of the rear panel 202, flap panel 204, and inner
sheet 212 may be in the form of clear foil laminated or adhered to
the panels improve the appearance of the packaging 200. Portions of
the rear panel 202, flap panel 204, and inner sheet 212 may contain
printed matter, such as brand identification, regulatory
information, discretionary advertising, and the like.
[0050] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate another embodiment of packaging 300
to house a transaction card 310. In this embodiment, the
transaction card 310 (and optionally booklet 312) is held in place
between rear panel 304 and inner panel 306. For example, the inner
panel 306 may be glued along its periphery to rear panel 304 to
retain the card 310 in place. The inner panel 306 preferably
includes a window 318, for example, a cutout opening in the panel
306 covered in a transparent film to permit a portion of the
transaction card 310 to be viewed from outside the package 300. A
front panel 302 is affixed to the inner panel 306. The front panel
302 includes an opening 316 aligned with the window 318 to permit
viewing access to the card 310. The transparent window 318 may be
formed from any suitable material known in the art, such as any
transparent plastic. The transaction card 310 is preferable placed
and oriented within the window 318 so that certain data, text or
other indicia is visible through the window, for example a
holographic image and/or emblem associated with a transaction card
310 located in the packaging 300. The booklet 312 may contain full
or temporary terms and conditions and/or other consumer-related
material (how the transaction card works, how to activate it, how
to use it, how to reload it, etc.).
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the rear panel 304 may include
account activation indicia, such as a mag-stripe or variable bar
code 320 (and possibly a universal price code), so that the
transaction card 310 may be activated at the cash register when the
retail package is purchased. The rear panel 304 may also include a
tear strip 316 to facilitate opening the packaging 300 by the
consumer to access the transaction card 310. An aperture 314 may be
defined in each of the rear panel 304, the front panel 302, and the
inner panel 306 for suspending the packaging 300 from a display peg
or J-hook.
[0052] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the retail
packaging 400 for retaining a transaction card 410. The packaging
400, which may be sized as desired for retail display and security
purposes, preferably includes a pouch 402 that is generally
transparent and maybe formed from clear, see-through or frosted
plastic, although other forms are within the scope of the present
invention. The pouch 402 is preferably sealed along its peripheral
margin, for example, using a heat bond, an adhesive seal, a RF
laser-based seal, UV heat glue, or other means customary in the
packaging industry. In this embodiment, the pouch 402 provides
protection against tampering and pilferage of the enclosed
transaction card 410. A label may be included on the pouch 402 to
partially obscure the enclosed retail card 410 from view and may
include customary advertising and product information.
[0053] Upon purchase, the pouch 402 may be opened on its top end to
permit access to the enclosed transaction card 410. The transaction
card 410 may be adhered to an inner panel 404 (for example at
adhesion points 416) along with, optionally, a booklet containing,
for example, terms and conditions for use with the transaction card
410. The transaction card 410 may be oriented in any direction
within the pouch 410. A second booklet 408 may be attached to the
rear side of the pouch 402. This second booklet 408 may contain
consumer-related material (how the transaction card works, how to
activate it, how to use it, how to reload it, etc.). In order to
provide further structural support to the packaging 400, the second
booklet 408 may be adhered to the pouch 402 via an insert panel
410. The second booklet 408 may be retained in a closed position
using, for example, tape 414. The packaging 400 may include an
aperture 412 to allow the packaging 400 to be displayed on a hook
in the retail setting.
[0054] FIGS. 16-22 illustrate another embodiment of packaging 500
to house a transaction card 510. This embodiment includes a clear
plastic shell 502 housing a multi-panel carrier 504, to which is
attached pouch 506 for retaining transaction card 510. The shell
502 and carrier 504 may include an aperture 518 to allow the
packaging 400 to be displayed on a hook in the retail setting.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the shell 502 is preferably
formed from clear, see-through or frosted plastic, although other
forms are within the scope of the present invention. For example,
the shell 502 may be formed from a cut sheet of plastic folded over
and sealed in the form of a rectangular container to house the
carrier 504.
[0056] The carrier 504 includes central panel 514, rear panel 512,
and front panel 508. The pouch 506, which may be formed, for
example, by folding a sheet of cardboard is attached to the central
panel 514. Thus, when used in a retail setting, the pouch 506 gives
the transaction card 510 the appearance that it is floating within
the carrier 504. The front panel 508 folds over the central panel
514 such that the opening 516 in the front panel 508 fits over the
pouch 506.
[0057] The rear panel 508 may include account activation indicia,
such as a mag-stripe or variable bar code, so that the transaction
card 510 may be activated at the cash register when the retail
package is purchased. A booklet containing terms and conditions
and/or other consumer-related material may be included in between
the central panel 514 and rear panel 508 when such panels are
folded onto one another.
[0058] FIGS. 23-25 illustrate another embodiment of the packaging
600, which preferably includes shell 620, screen 618, transaction
card 610, and booklet 624 sandwiched between front panel 612 and
rear panel 614, which are then glued or otherwise adhered together.
The front panel 612 and rear panel 614 may be formed from
cardboard, laminated card or sheet stock, or the like, and include
aperture 616 for placement on a hook. Shell 620 is preferably
formed from a transparent sheet into a small cavity having a lip
626 designed to retain the shell 620 in the opening 622 in the
front panel. The lip 626 of the shell 620 may be adhered to the
inside of the front panel 612. The screen 618 (e.g., a sheet of
cardboard), transaction card 610 and booklet 624 may be retained
within the cavity of the shell 620. Preferably, the screen 618 is
smaller in overall size than the transaction card 610 to permit
some portion of the transaction card 610 be viewed when the
packaging 600 is displayed in a retail setting. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, the screen 618 may have one corner
trimmed off to permit a triangular section of the transaction card
610 viewable.
[0059] Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have
been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing
disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and
modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,
although the embodiments shown herein are used in conjunction with
transaction cards (e.g., an association-branded prepaid card,
prepaid cards, debit cards, gift cards, etc.), the innovative
retail packages disclosed herein may be used with other types of
cards or merchandise. Accordingly, it is intended that the
invention should be limited only to extent required by the appended
claims and the rules and principals of applicable law.
* * * * *